10 Summer Ideas for College-Bound Students

Do high school students need to spend their summers building their college resumes? That's a question only you and your child can answer. But perhaps the answer is not black and white ... there are ways to have fun and enrich your life as well. Here are a few ideas for summer activities the build character, provide life lessons and are enjoyable as well. Contributed by local college advisors Breakaway Prep here's a list of summer suggestions for teens:

1. Read
If we had to suggest one thing that would increase your grades and SAT scores, make you a better writer, a better student, and increase your knowledge of the world, it would be to read as many good books as possible. Read newspapers and magazines, even check out a trashy novel or two. But read!

2. Volunteer
One of the best things you can do this summer is to volunteer in your community. You don't have to travel around the world or sign up for an expensive, flashy project to do something meaningful. There are plenty of valuable local charities that need your help and would work around your schedule. Call Family Services of Westchester, HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck's Community Action Program (CAP) or whatever meets your interest. It is never too late to sign up, and volunteer work is challenging and rewarding.

3. Work/Intern
Summer jobs and internships are great opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people. Call local law firms, publishers, radio stations and offer to work for free. If you need the cash, baby sit, clean neighbors' houses, tutor kids, flip burgers—there's always something you can do to expand your horizons and maybe even make some money.

4. Learn Something
Just because school's out is no reason to shut off your mind. Instead of learning the concrete curriculum, teach yourself something totally off the roster. Learn about jazz, cooking, modern art, French films, whatever interests you. Summer is the perfect time to take control of your education and to learn things that you're interested in at your own pace.

5. Check out Colleges
Go to a library or bookstore and check out the many books on colleges. Surf the web and explore different college web sites. Think about what you want in a college. Do you want to go to a large state university, a small liberal arts college, or something in between? If you can, visit local campuses to get a sense of what college life is about. Looking for a city school? Check out NYU, Columbia and Fordham. Want to see what a small liberal arts campus feels like? Visit Sarah Lawrence and Manhattanville. Always wanted to go to a state school? SUNY Purchase is right in Westchester. Even if you're nowhere near the schools that interest you most, visiting a college and talking to professors, administrators and current students is a great first step.

6. Take a Hike
No matter where you live in the US, it's a short trip to some form of wilderness. This summer might be the perfect time to start hiking, to get out of the city or the suburbs, and hang with Mother Nature.

7. Prepare for the SAT
The SAT is a pretty terrible test, causing much anxiety and measuring little more than how well you take the SAT. Unfortunately, it's an incredibly important test and if you don't prepare for it, you're losing out to the hundreds of thousands of students who are. Take courses, use books or software, but prepare for the SAT! Summer affords you plenty of time to do this and Breakaway Prep offers classes and tutorials to fit any schedule.

8. Do At Least One Thing You've Never Done Before
Experiment. Do something great. Act in a play, spend time with senior citizens, skydive, learn karate. The beauty of it is you're making your own agenda. Nobody's telling you what to do, so go crazy.

9. Keep a Journal
Along with how well you read, the ability to write well is one of the most important skills you can develop. And, it is no secret that colleges and future employers value strong writing skills. Keeping a journal is a pressure-free way to express yourself and practice your writing. And it's a lot more fun than writing essays and book reports.

10. Network
Interested in the University of Wisconsin? Talk to someone who goes there. Curious about a career in medicine? Set up a meeting with a doctor or nurse in the area to learn what the job is really about. You'll get a good sense if you're still interested in following those paths and you'd be surprised how happy people are to talk to someone who's interested in what they do.

Breakaway Prep helps guide families though the process of researching, finding, and applying to the right colleges and universities. Breakaway Prep believes that "match-making" is an integral part of selecting schools, and it strives to help families find the right fit. This summer, Breakaway will offer several local 4-day college admission "boot-camps" where rising seniors can actively work with Breakaway counselors on preparing their college applications, developing a college list and timeline, and writing their essays. These sessions will be held at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. Click here for more information.